The Painted Posse has spoken out about the stirring controversy surrounding LSU Athletics staff members’ decision to airbrush crosses from a photo of the well-known LSU football fans that has garnered national media attention.

In a release obtained exclusively by The Daily Reveille, the members of the Posse are asking the University community to “switch the focus” from news stories to the group’s dedication to the University.

“The University has reached out to our group and apologized for this incident,” the statement said. “The following statement should be considered the last such communication from any Posse member regarding the ‘cross airbrushing’ incident.”

The Posse said they will return to the Nov. 3 game against the University of Alabama in full form — crosses included.

“We encourage anyone who would like to honor Jesus Christ to join us by wearing a cross on Nov. 3rd.”